New York City is officially honoring one of the most influential creators in comic book history. A street corner at Delancey and Essex Streets on Manhattan’s Lower East Side will now permanently bear the name “Jack Kirby Way,” paying tribute to the legendary Marvel co-creator who was born Jacob Kurtzberg there in 1917. The official unveiling ceremony is scheduled for May 11, turning Kirby’s childhood neighborhood into a landmark for comic book fans around the world.

“He had a once-in-a-generation talent and ability to capture anything in his mind, from abstract cosmic deities and explosive super heroic battles to more relatable, yet powerful, character moments, and breathe life into them on every page,” Dan Buckley, president of Marvel Comics and Franchise, said in an email.

The street was first temporarily renamed during promotional events tied to The Fantastic Four: First Steps last summer, but the honor became permanent after approval from the New York City Council in December. The campaign was led by pop culture historian Roy Schwartz and supporters who wanted Kirby’s impact on comics and pop culture to receive lasting recognition.

Jack Kirby’s connection to the Lower East Side ran deep. The neighborhood later inspired “Yancy Street,” the fictional home turf of Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing from the Fantastic Four. Kirby once admitted that the beloved rocky superhero reflected much of his own personality and upbringing, blending real-life experiences with larger-than-life storytelling.

From cosmic battles to superhero origins, Kirby’s artwork changed comic books forever and some of his covers still define the genre decades later.

Marvel Comics was built on Jack Kirby’s vision

There are few names in the comic book industry more legendary than Jack Kirby. Second only to Stan Lee in terms of popularity, Kirby helped shape Marvel Comics into the entertainment powerhouse it is today. His explosive art style and storytelling helped launch iconic heroes, including Captain America, the X-Men, Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, and the Fantastic Four.

Kirby’s work also extended beyond Marvel. During his time at DC Comics, he introduced the groundbreaking New Gods mythology, creating characters such as Darkseid, Orion, and Mister Miracle. His imaginative style and cinematic action panels inspired generations of comic artists and storytellers.

Some of Kirby’s most influential comic covers remain instantly recognizable today. Titles like Captain America Comics #1, Fantastic Four #1, X-Men #1, and The Incredible Hulk #1 helped introduce characters that became global pop culture icons.

He also left his mark with unforgettable covers for Amazing Fantasy #15, Avengers #1, Journey Into Mystery #83, Avengers #4, Tales of Suspense #39, and New Gods #1. Whether introducing Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, or Captain America, Kirby’s dynamic artwork gave these heroes larger-than-life energy that still resonates with readers today.

More than three decades after his death, Jack Kirby continues to shape modern entertainment through the countless heroes and worlds he helped create. By renaming a street in his honor, New York City has permanently connected Kirby’s extraordinary legacy to the neighborhood that inspired so much of his imagination.

Which Jack Kirby created comic or superhero do you think had the biggest impact on pop culture? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Karishma Dasgupta

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui